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The Salvation Army will run the new Intensive and Engaging Support Service and St Mungo's will run the Rough Sleeper Outreach Service

Launchpad will run Floating Support Services and Working Towards Independence services, which will provide supported accommodation for vulnerable single people and couples.

Accommodation changes

As a result of the changes Hamble Court, in Southampton Street, no longer operates as a 24/7 supported accommodation unit but its landlord is exploring options for it to be used in other ways to help meet Reading’s housing needs.

Shepton House in South Street, which previously offered lower need supported accommodation, will now be used to house those with serious needs and will be managed by the Salvation Army.

The number of lower level support bed spaces will be reduced which includes the closure of the property in Waylen Street owned by Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA) and the council, where options for alternative uses to support those in housing need are being explored.

The council has set aside an annual budget of £1.25 million for homelessness services.

Willow House in Reading, where the new hub will be. Credit:Google Maps

The new scheme was launched at the Civic Offices in Bridge Street on Thursday, August 30.

It featured a video where users of the former service, some of whom were long-term homeless and substance abusers, were asked to talk about how they found themselves on the streets and how they have been helped.

I would probably be 6ft under without help

One woman said the council's previous schemes had helped her enormously.

She said she felt the key was for activities to be provided for people in the services, saying it was often boredom and not having anything to do that leads to people relapsing.

Another man, a 47-year-old addict, said he would "probably be six feet under" without the help he had been given, and said his aim was to have a home and a job in the next two years.

All the people interviewed said they had made big improvements since joining the scheme and now looking to the future.

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Councillor John Ennis, Reading’s Lead councillor for housing, said: “Homelessness is a major issue in Reading and the South East and we need to have effective services in place to meet the needs of those affected.

“I am confident that, with the support of our providers and valued voluntary sector partners, we will provide a comprehensive and effective package of support to rough sleepers, homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.”